Safely towing a caravan begins before you pull out of the driveway — following best-practice guidelines and using a pre-towing checklist can help you have a safe journey. Before you begin, you’ll want to ensure your caravan is packed properly and that everything is in place to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
From installing an electric brake controller that operates the caravan brakes from the driver’s seat, to a caravan towing checklist that helps you ensure everything is set and secure, here’s our best advice from years of experience helping Aussies tow their caravans safely.
How to hook up a caravan for towing
Safe caravan towing begins well before you hit the road. It starts with choosing the right vehicle, packing efficiently, and ensuring you have the right equipment to enhance towing safety. Once you're confident that everything is in place, the next step is securely hitching your caravan to the towing vehicle for a smooth journey ahead.
Here’s how to do it.
How to hitch a caravan step-by-step:
- Find level ground when possible, it makes hitching the caravan easier. If you are on an angle, chock the caravan’s wheels while hitching up.
- Check that any gas appliances are switched off and the gas cylinder is closed.
- Disconnect any main power leads from the caravan.
- Make sure the caravan hand brake is engaged and corner steadies are raised.
- Reverse the towing vehicle so that the tow ball is directly under the caravan’s hitch. A reversing camera can help if you’re on your own, or have someone guide you.
- Lower the caravan coupling onto the tow ball by lowering the jockey wheel. Make sure the coupling lock is properly engaged.
- Attach the safety chains and D-lock. Cross over the chains if you have two.
- Connect the trailer plug which connects to the trail lights and electrics to the towing vehicle. Check that brake lights, electric trailer brakes, reverse lights and indicators are operating correctly. Troubleshoot trailer wiring faults before driving off.
- If the caravan has a breakaway system, ensure this is properly connected and the battery is fully charged.
- Check the towing vehicle is in ‘Park’ with the handbrake engaged before releasing the caravan brakes and removing the jockey wheel.
Now you’re hitched up and ready to hit the road. Check off your safety checklist and let the adventure begin!
Caravan towing safety checklist
Following a safety checklist ensures that you don’t overlook any key items that could lead to issues or complications while towing. It helps keep everything secure and reduces the risk of problems on the road.
- Check the recommended tyre pressures for your tow vehicle and caravan.
- Make sure that the caravan load is secure and balanced to reduce the risk of caravan sway.
- Caravans over 750kg are required to have electric brakes, which connect to the towing vehicle via an electric brake controller. The driver can control the caravan brakes from the driver’s seat.
- Caravans over 2000kg must have a breakaway system installed. A breakaway system applies the electric trailer brakes for at least 15 minutes if the towing vehicle becomes disconnected.
- Check that the safety chain securely connects the caravan and towing vehicle and is rated for the ATM of the trailer.
- Extended mirrors are mandatory if, from the driver’s seat, you can’t see the rear corners of the caravan once hitched.
- Remove the wheel chocks and make sure you haven’t left any items behind, like an awning pull rod or stabiliser leg winder handle.
Best-practice driving tips for towing a caravan
Towing is a skill much like driving—there’s a lot to remember when you first start, but with time, the necessary tasks become second nature. Whether you're an experienced pro or towing for the first time, it's always a good idea to refresh your knowledge and keep your skills sharp.
These best-practice tips from towing experts can help guide you and your family to a safe, fun adventure with a caravan that lets you bring along the comforts of home.
1. Adjust to the extra weight and length
Towing is a skill much like driving—there’s a lot to remember when you first start, but with time, the necessary tasks become second nature. Whether you're an experienced pro or towing for the first time, it's always a good idea to refresh your knowledge and keep your skills sharp.
The vertical weight distribution with a caravan differs from normal driving, so it's important to take it easy until you're comfortable with how the vehicle and caravan handle together. Driving smoothly not only enhances control but also helps minimize wear and tear on both your caravan and tow vehicle.
2. Drive at safe speeds
How fast can you drive when towing a caravan? The legal speed limits for towing may vary depending on which state in Australia you are in. On some open roads, for example in NSW, you are permitted to drive at 110km/h if the GCM (gross combination mass) is below 4.5 tonnes, while other states like WA limits towing speed to 100km/h.
Learn more: Caravan weights explained
Towing experts often recommend maintaining a speed of around 90-95 km/h when towing a caravan. This helps optimise vehicle performance and reduces wear and tear on the towing vehicle, especially when dealing with a heavier caravan. Keeping a steady speed within this range ensures better control and safety on the road.
The most important factor when determining your driving speed is safety. Always adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions, ensuring you maintain a safe stopping distance between your vehicle and any other hazards ahead.
In rain or high winds, it's essential to reduce your speed and allow for a greater stopping distance to the vehicle in front. Similarly, on winding roads or in conditions with poor visibility, lowering your speed and increasing your stopping distance will help maintain better control and safety while towing.
Speed limits may change so check the current laws and regulations for the areas you will be towing your caravan through.
3. Stay aware of the surroundings
Be mindful of the added size of your combined vehicle and caravan, and how factors like overhanging tree branches or passing trucks can affect your vehicle's handling. Always plan ahead and stay alert for any potential hazards, whether large or small, on or near the road to ensure a safe journey.
When driving uphill, accelerate slightly more to ensure you have enough momentum as you begin the climb. On the descent, utilise engine braking to slow down, using your vehicle and caravan brakes as needed to maintain control.
When it’s time to overtake another vehicle, make sure you allow ample time and space to complete the manoeuvre — it will take longer than you’re used to when not towing a caravan. Patience and careful planning are key to overtaking safely while towing.
If a truck passes or your vehicle and caravan are hit by high winds, use the electric brake controller to apply the trailer brakes independently from the vehicle. Then, gently apply the accelerator to help steady the caravan and regain control. This technique can improve stability in challenging conditions.
4. Plan extra breaks
Towing a caravan for the first time can be exhausting, with so many new things to think about. Plan time into the journey to stop and rest.
5. Reverse with care
The first time you tow a trailer, you might plan your journey to avoid reversing, but eventually, you'll need to master this skill. When reversing a caravan, take it slow and remember that the steering wheel needs to be turned in the opposite direction to guide the trailer, compared to just looking at the back corner of the vehicle.
Where possible, have someone spot you while reversing. Take your time and don't rush the process. If the caravan starts to go the wrong way, simply drive forward slowly to correct its position and try again. Patience and practice are key to getting it right.
Tow a caravan with confidence using an award-winning electric brake controller
Towing a caravan is a skill that opens up the wide-open spaces of Australia to you and your friends or family in a way that nothing else can. While practice makes perfect, having the right gear for the Australian conditions helps too. The Tow Pro range of electric brake controllers seamlessly integrates into any vehicle make or model, giving you full control over the caravan’s brakes right from the driver’s seat.
What are you waiting for? Get your vehicle and caravan ready to embark on the next great adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to tow a caravan for the first time?
Towing a caravan for the first time can feel intimidating, but with practice it quickly becomes second nature. Preparing properly by packing efficiently and using the right towing equipment to enhance safety and control can give you the confidence you need on your first tow. Over time, your skills will improve, making each journey easier and more enjoyable.
What not to do when towing a caravan?
Following best practice towing guidelines and proper driving etiquette when towing a caravan means: don’t purposely frustrate other drivers — on winding roads, pull over when safe to allow smaller vehicles past; don’t overload the caravan — a balanced load is safe to drive and optimises the performance of the towing vehicle; don’t leave without checking the caravan interior — gas bottles must be switched off and loose items secured to avoid imbalance while towing.
How can I learn to tow a caravan?
Caravan towing courses may be provided by roadside assistance companies, insurance companies or caravan and towing experts. A course can help you upskill and learn how to respond to any tricky situations that may arise while towing a caravan.